Course Registration and Semester Information

This page provides everything you need to know about registering for ILR courses, understanding semester schedules, reviewing important dates, and planning your upcoming term. Please read all sections carefully. Detailed information helps ensure a smooth registration experience and reduces the need for follow-up calls or emails.

Overview of ILR Semesters

The Institute for Learning in Retirement offers two semesters each academic year:

  • Fall Semester
  • Spring Semester

Each semester includes:

  • A wide selection of non-credit courses
  • Both in-person and online options
  • Flexible multi-week courses and single-session bonus lectures
  • Membership benefits including campus access and library privileges

Students may join after the semester begins as long as space remains available in their selected courses.

Spring 2026 Semester Details

The Spring 2026 semester includes updated deadlines, holidays, and instructional dates. These details are especially important for instructors and members who plan ahead.

Course Proposal Deadline

Wednesday, December 3, 2025
(Instructors only)

Spring 2026 Catalog Published

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Registration Opens

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Spring 2026 Semester Dates

Monday, March 2 through Friday, May 29, 2026

Course Load for Spring 2026

Members may take:

  • Up to four Primary Courses
  • Up to three Bonus Courses

How to Register for ILR Courses

Students may register online, by telephone, or in person.
All registration methods open on the same day. Please read the details below carefully.

A. Register Online

Online registration is the fastest and most convenient option.
A registration link will appear at the top of the ILR website on the first day of registration.

Important Notes for Online Registration:

  • New members must create an account on the registration platform.
  • Returning members should log in using their existing username (their email address).
  • Members who have forgotten their password should click “I forgot sign in details” on the login page.
  • Password reset instructions will be emailed to the member.
  • If you do not receive the reset email, check your spam folder or contact the ILR office.

B. Register by Telephone

Telephone registration is available during regular office hours.
Please have your course selections ready when calling.

  • ILR Office: (201) 447-7156
  • ILR Program Supervisor: (201) 447-7861
  • Continuing Education and Workforce Development Office: (201) 447-7488

Staff members can complete your registration and process your payment over the phone.

C. Register In Person

Students may visit the campus to register in person. Staff will assist you with course selection and payment.

Locations for In-Person Registration:

  • Continuing Education and Workforce Development Office, TEC-115
  • ILR Office, TEC-115

Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Road, Paramus NJ 07652

Membership Fee and Payment Information

Membership Fee for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026:
$150.00 per semester

This fee includes:

  • Up to four Primary Courses
  • Up to three Bonus Courses
  • Library borrowing privileges
  • Access to Fitness Center and Pool during posted free time hours
  • Eligibility for ILR lectures and campus events

Payment Information:

  • Payment is by credit card only
  • Membership fees are non-refundable
  • Membership fees are not prorated
  • Refunds are not issued for canceled classes
    • If a full course is canceled, ILR will attempt to help you select another course if space permits
    • If a single class meeting is canceled, ILR will schedule a make-up session when possible

Changing Your Schedule

Once you have registered, you may request changes if needed.

To request schedule adjustments, contact the ILR office by telephone or email:

Please provide your:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Course you wish to drop
  • Course you wish to add (if applicable)

Important Information About Classroom Locations

During the semester, classroom assignments will be posted:

  • On the ILR News and Media webpage
  • At the Continuing Education and Workforce Development front desk (TEC-115)
  • In email notices sent to all registered students

Because classroom availability may change, students should check their email regularly, especially during the first two weeks of the semester.

Online Course Access

Students enrolled in online courses will receive:

  • An email containing the online course link
  • Instructions for joining the session
  • Any additional materials provided by the instructor

These will be sent approximately one week prior to the start of the semester.

If you have not received your link within three days of the start date, contact the ILR office immediately.

Movement Classes and Field Trips

Certain courses involve movement or off-campus travel. Students must complete the Bergen Community College Accident Waiver before participating in these classes.

Waivers can be:

  • Completed during the first class session
  • Submitted in advance at the ILR office

Students will not be permitted to participate in movement classes or field trips until the form is completed.

Semester Updates and Notifications

During the semester, ILR will communicate:

  • Classroom changes
  • Instructor updates
  • Course cancellations
  • Campus closure notices
  • Weather-related alerts
  • Make-up date announcements

These updates will appear:

  • On the ILR News and Media webpage
  • On classroom listing boards
  • In email notifications

Please check your email frequently to ensure you do not miss important updates.

Contact the ILR

Telephone: (201) 447-7156
Email: [email protected]

Technology Building, TEC-115
Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Road
Paramus, New Jersey 07652

You are here: Home » Course Registration and Semester Information